Source: KTVZ
Oregon wildlife officials have confirmed the first known detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, or M. ovi, in the John Day River California bighorn sheep herd, the state’s largest with approximately 1,000 animals. Several sheep tested positive for the respiratory pathogen, which can cause severe pneumonia outbreaks and has no known vaccine or medical treatment.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is conducting necropsies, testing samples, and surveying the area to determine the outbreak’s extent and bacterial strain. M. ovi has previously caused significant problems in other Oregon bighorn populations, including those in Hells Canyon and the Owyhees.
Wildlife managers focus on limiting contact between bighorn sheep and potential disease vectors, including domestic sheep, goats, and aoudad. Depending on the strain, outbreaks can produce short-term effects or chronic problems lasting decades. Officials will evaluate management strategies, including potentially reducing herd density or removing infected animals, as additional information becomes available.